Marina

Marina has been Ostend’s best-known Italian restaurant since Domenico Acquaro opened it in 1973. In 2019 it moved to the Oosteroever, where its windows look out over the harbour and the fish auction, and Domenico’s daughter Vida took over; her husband Nick joined in 2023. It holds the official Ristorante Italiano label and is rated 14/20 by Gault&Millau (2026).

The menu mixes Italian classics with fish and shellfish from the North Sea. Signature dishes include truffle carpaccio, sea bream baked in a salt crust for two, red gurnard and grilled lobster, followed by a classic sabayon. On weekday lunchtimes there is a two-course Pranzo menu; the Marina 3° Generazione menu runs to four or five courses. Vegetarian options are always available.

Smart dress is expected, dogs are welcome if you mention them when you book, and reservations can be made online. A more casual sister brasserie, Osteria Marina, opened next door in 2026.

Marina took part in the 2026 edition of Ostendaise: North Sea Food Fest, the free summer food festival on the Zeeheldenplein, with its festival dish, Bruschetta Marina.